Florida abortion notification law overwhelmingly approved

Tallahassee, Fla., Nov 3, 2004 / 12:00 am (CNA).- Voters in Florida approved yesterday a law requiring that parents or guardians of minors be notified before the minor has an abortion.

"Even though we have a right to privacy that is a very good thing, this amendment is a first step to restoring the rights of parents to look out for their daughters," said Mike McCarron, executive director of the Florida Catholic Conference, on behalf of Florida’s Catholic bishops.

Court rulings had previously prevented the passing of the law on the basis that it violated the provision of privacy in Florida’s constitution, so supporters placed it on the ballot.

Stephanie Grutman, executive director of Planned Parenthood of Florida, expressed her disappointment and claimed that the result was due to voter confusion: "Our next battle is in the Legislature," she said. "We're going to work our hardest to ensure young women are protected."